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Recharge Like a Royal

Bliss out and de-stress at these California locations, where self-care is the top priority

Meghan Markle is a world traveler with a demanding schedule, yet the newest member of the royal family somehow remains radiant and surprisingly chill. Perhaps it’s because she uses the rare moments she does have to herself—or with Prince Harry—to practice self-care. From her vigilant yoga and Pilates regimens to her love of farm-to-table food, the actress-turned-princess makes it a priority to feel as good as she looks. The born-and-raised Californian is known to balance indulgences with healthy living and relaxing. As a visitor, you can enjoy that royal recharging experience as you travel through the Golden State.

Find mindful movements in Los Angeles

Markle is a dedicated yogi who has been practicing since she was seven. Her mother is a yoga instructor in Los Angeles, and Markle, according to reports, has been teaching Harry some moves to help him de-stress. Her favorite place to practice in Los Angeles is the modern, hip-hop hot flow Y7 Studio, which has locations in West Hollywood and Silver Lake. Another local celebrity favorite is Hot 8, a heated studio with six locations, including Beverly Hills. Take your mindfulness a step further with meditation, another favorite Markle pastime. Both The Den (locations in La Brea and Studio City) and Unplug (in Santa Monica and Hollywood) offer a variety of guided classes, from breath work and sensory deprivation to Reiki and sound bath healing. Should you get hungry after all that bodywork, try some sushi at Sugarfish, the Duchess of Sussex’s top pick for raw fish and omega-3s.

Unwind in an award-winning Santa Barbara spa

What better place to recover from exhaustive wedding planning than in a 42,000-square-foot oceanfront spa? The massive facility at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara boasts a redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and adults-only pool. After enjoying your lavender sea salt scrub, take a stroll along the two miles of private coastline, work up a sweat on the Har-Tru clay tennis courts, or retreat to your ocean-view suite.

Bliss out in Pebble Beach

Markle’s spa bridal shower was all about pampering. Indulge yourself California-style at The Spa at Pebble Beach, which offers body treatments utilizing local Monterey Peninsula herbs and minerals. There’s a juice bar on site (boasting specialty cocktails), and golf-specific therapies and bodywork should you or your knight in shining armor want to hit the Spyglass Hill Golf Course while you’re in the neighborhood. If you’re as much of a home cook as Markle is, a stay at Casa Palmero might suit you best—the Pebble Beach Culinary Getaway offers hands-on demos with seafood fresh from the Pacific Ocean.

Slow down in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Just south of Pebble Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the white sandy beaches are enough to inspire tranquility. But that’s not all: The city encourages practicing mindfulness during vacation, with scenic hikes, health-based retreats, and meditation bonfires at the Horizon Inn and Ocean View Lodge. Slow down and wander the hidden courtyards of the quaint village, and pick up a copy of the Beginner’s Guide to Mindful-by-the-Sea (exclusive for guests of Carmel hotels and inns).

Soak it up in Palm Springs

If mellow desert vibes are what you’re after, Greater Palm Springs has some of the best spas in Southern California. The Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa has a wishing well, and guests are asked to set an intention for their stay. Pairs like Markle and Prince Harry can enjoy a Body Canvas Party, where couples are not only massaged but given the opportunity to paint each other with colorful clay.

At the Parker Palm Springs, meanwhile, the country-club-style Palm Springs Yacht Club—designed by Jonathan Adler—has a private indoor pool for wading before or after treatments. After sipping a thimble-size serving of the complimentary cucumber-infused vodka, try the Lost at Sea package for a rejuvenating seaweed wrap, hydrating facial, and manicure-pedicure. Don’t miss this opportunity to grab a meal at the Parker’s brunch restaurant, Norma’s—the menu has some of the freshest fare in the area.

Wine down in Sonoma

While Markle’s favorite wine, Tignanello, originates in Italy, she has several California favorites in Sonoma wine country. One is Jordan Vineyard and Winery, whose French-inspired offerings extend to the décor of the charming chateau. While visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, find your way to Berkeley for a memorable meal at Chez Panisse. Claire Ptak, creator of the royal wedding cake, is a Marin County native and used to work at the iconic Alice Waters restaurant.

Retail therapy in San Francisco

The newly appointed princess has effortless style, and you can emulate her elevated classic look with a relaxing day of downtime: shopping in the Bay Area. Many of Markle’s favorite fashionable items can be found in San Francisco, including specialty slippers from Birdie’s. The stylish, rubber-soled indoor/outdoor slip-on shoes come in an array of appealing styles, colors, and adornments. At the San Francisco Centre, you’ll find Aritza, the Canadian fashion retailer that makes the chic dresses and trendy trench coats that Markle frequently dons. After working up an appetite, head to Delfina, the Mission’s mainstay, must-try Italian restaurant (reservations recommended). Handmade pasta is one of Markle’s ultimate indulgences.

Regions

Pick a region form the map or the list below to explore.

Regions

Scroll down to explore the twelve regions of California.

1. Shasta Cascade

This region, in California’s northeast corner, is known for mountains, forests, waterfalls, and amazing, safe-to-visit volcanoes. The region, a 3-hour drive north of Sacramento, gets its name from the rugged Cascade Mountains and their signature peak in state, 14,180-foot/4,322-meter Mount Shasta—yes, a volcano.

Highlights

2. North Coast

With crashing waves along the coast and soaring redwood trees blanketing miles of uncrowded parkland, this is one of California’s most spectacular regions. The largest city, Eureka, is roughly a 5-hour drive north of San Francisco—but what a drive: see lush wine country, charming hamlets, spouting whales, and breathtaking sunsets.

Highlights

3. Gold Country

The western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Range, defining California’s eastern border, are known as the Gold Country, named after the rich Mother Lode discovered here in the mid-1850s. While gold is still found in the region, new riches include top museums and art in Sacramento, the state capital, plus whitewater rafting, tucked-away towns, farm-fresh dining, and award-winning wines.

Highlights

4. San Francisco Bay Area

On the western oceanfront of Northern California, at the state’s distinctive bend along the coast, lies this breathtaking region. It’s framed by an unforgettable gateway—the iconic Golden Gate Bridge—spanning the mouth of San Francisco Bay. Explore diverse cities, picturesque hamlets, family-friendly beaches, coastal parklands, and wine country, including Napa and Sonoma wine country, 1½ hours north of San Francisco.

5. High Sierra

Nicknamed “California’s backbone,” this region of towering granite peaks defines much of the state’s eastern boundary. Visit Yosemite Valley, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, and the giant trees of Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks—all within a day’s drive of either San Francisco or L.A. In winter, enjoy snow sports; in summer, go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or boating.

6. Central Valley

Running right down the middle of California, this broad region contains some of most productive farmland in the world. Wine country around Lodi features big, bold reds. Further south, Fresno has a lively arts scene.

8. Deserts

This dramatic region takes up the southeastern half of the state. Remarkable desert parklands, including Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and Anza-Borrego, provide an extraordinary chance to explore, while the oasis-like allure of Palm Springs, 3 hours northeast of San Diego, offers sunny resort-style getaways, with golf, tennis, spas, and high-end shopping.

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9. Inland Empire

This densely populated Southern California region has surprising alpine getaways, like Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, in the impressive San Bernardino Range. On the region’s sunny east side, explore the inviting Temecula Valley wine region. The university town of Riverside is the region’s largest city. San Bernardino, the second largest city, has museums and impressive shopping, while Fontana has NASCAR racing.

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10. Los Angeles County

This sunny region along the state’s southern coast is California’s most populated region, best known as the capital of the entertainment industry. Here, movie stars really do work in Hollywood, play in the surf at Malibu, and shop in Beverly Hills. Looping freeways make the car king, but the region also has a surprisingly good network of buses and light rail—a hassle-free way to explore.

11. Orange County

Tucked between San Diego and Los Angeles Counties, this region is known for flawless beaches and “the happiest place on earth,” Disneyland Resort. Anaheim, the theme park’s home, offers a surprisingly hip vibe in a refurbished downtown. Newport Beach has dazzling yachts, Huntington Beach has iconic surfing, and Costa Mesa beckons with top shopping.

Highlights

12. San Diego County

This sun-and-surf region is known for some of the best weather and warmest water in the state. San Diego, the state’s second largest city, is home to the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, one of the world’s great urban parks. For family fun, play at SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. Inland, discover surprising mountain towns like Julian, known for orchards and apple pie.